Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has thrown his weight behind United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Elphas Kainanga Shalakha ahead of the February 26, 2026 by-election in West Kabras Ward, Malava Constituency, Kakamega County.
Mudavadi said he met Shalakha, alongside party official David Ndakwa, after the aspirant secured a decisive victory in the UDA party primaries and was formally certified to contest the seat. The meeting focused on strategy as the ruling party intensifies its campaign in the hotly contested ward.
“Fresh from a decisive victory in the party primaries and now duly certified by UDA, Shalakha is stepping into a demanding campaign season with momentum, clarity of purpose, and the backing of a united team on the ground,” Mudavadi said.
The West Kabras Ward seat fell vacant following the death of the sitting Member of the County Assembly, prompting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to declare a by-election. The vacancy has triggered a fierce political contest, with parties viewing the race as a test of their grassroots strength in Western Kenya.
Mudavadi said UDA had fully mobilised its structures on the ground, drawing lessons from previous by-elections in the region, including the Malava parliamentary by-election.
“Just as we did during the Malava parliamentary by-election, the party is fully mobilised, energising supporters, sharpening our grassroots strategy, and pushing hard to secure victory in February,” he said.
UDA insiders say the West Kabras contest is being treated as politically significant, coming amid heightened competition for influence in Kakamega County and the wider Western region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Shalakha is expected to anchor his campaign on development priorities, effective representation, and alignment with the national government’s agenda. Party officials say unity within UDA will be central to securing the seat.
“The mission is clear: stay focused, stay united, and deliver the seat,” Mudavadi said.
The outcome of the West Kabras by-election is likely to shape political alignments in the region as parties position themselves for the next general election.
